Highfield Unit Oxford
A guide for young people and
their families or carers
1
CONTENTS
Page
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Introduction
Your Arrival
Who’s who at the Highfield Unit
Your Case Team are
Contact with Modern Matron and Consultant
Confidentiality
Your Treatment
Nursing care
Individual work/therapy
Your Link Worker
Family work
Medical
Clinical Psychology
Family Therapy
Social Work
Occupational Therapy
Individual work
Physiotherapy
Learning at the Highfield
Group Work
Skills Group
Expressive Groups
Talking Groups
Leisure Groups
Eating disorders Group
Community Meetings
User Involvement
Patient’s forums
Staff Interviews
Advocacy Service
Your Treatment
Yours Stay at the Highfield
Your Bedroom
Meal Times
Property
Restricted Items
Pocket Money
Smoking
Fire Procedure
Use of Gym
Post
Visitors
Contact with Family / Guardians
Living Together and Feeling Safe
Unit Rules
Individual Safety
Observations
General observations
Intermittent observations
Constant observations
Unit Expectations
Your Rights
Translation Services
Religion
Complaints or Suggestions
Highfield Development Fund
Useful Contact Details
The senior team
2
Introduction
The Highfield Unit Oxford is an NHS unit run by of Oxford Health NHS Foundation
Trust. The unit provides inpatient treatment for 18 young people aged between 11
and 18. The unit also offers a day patient service for up to four young people.
Some of these young people may have been inpatients who have progressed to
day patients; others may be admitted as day patients. We offer an environment
where young people may be assessed and treated for mental health problems.
Most of the young people who are admitted to the Highfield Unit Oxford come
from Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire or
Buckinghamshire, although some come from further afield. We aim to achieve a
balance between keeping your stay in hospital as short as possible, while
ensuring you make the fullest possible recovery. Although we have to treat some
young people against their wishes under the Mental Health Act, we endeavour to
involve you and your family in all aspects of treatment and to gain your full
consent. During your stay on the unit there will be a team of people who will work
closely with you to offer you the most effective treatment based on evidencebased practice.
Your arrival
You may have met some of the members of the Highfield team at your
assessment. Following this visit, if you have any questions before you come to
the unit you may contact the nurses on 01865 738777.
There is a portable phone available for patients to call out on or for families to call
in on. The number is 01865 738775.
When you first arrive on the unit, you will be introduced to your allocated nurse for
that day. He or she will be one of the nurses who work on the unit. You will be
informed who your primary and secondary nurses are and may be able to meet
them. You will be shown around the unit and introduced to the other young
people and staff. Your Link Worker will also make contact with you within the first
week or two.
Who’s Who at the highfield?
There are many staff who work at the Highfield Unit Oxford and who may be
involved in providing your treatment programme, depending on your needs.
The team includes the following people:
Consultant Psychiatrist, Junior Medical Staff, Specialist Registrars, Senior House
Officers, Staff Grade Medics, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Worker, Teachers,
Occupational Therapists, and a Dietician.
3
Your Care Team are:
Consultant:
Link Worker:
Primary Nurse:
Secondary Nurse:
Care Assistant:
Key Teacher/Occupational Therapist:
Contact with the Modern Matron and Consultant
You may ask to meet with your consultant or Sarah Firth, Modern Matron at any
point during your admission. They also have weekly allocated time during which
they are available to meet with parents if requested. The slots are every Monday
from 4-5pm and can be requested through your care team or the office manager
on 01865 738770.
Confidentiality
It is the Highfield policy to keep your parents or carers informed of all important
issues to do with your treatment.
We will also tell your referring GP and local Community Mental Health Team how
you are progressing in treatment. Other than this all information is treated
confidentially within the Highfield team. We will only disclose information about
you to other people outside the unit with your permission (or your parents’ if you
are under 16).
The exception to this is if we feel that you, or any child you tell us about, are at
serious risk of harm from others. We are then obliged to inform Social and Health
Care (previously Social Services). However, we will discuss this with you before
we have to inform them. There are also certain circumstances when we may
need to share information with other agencies; for example if you have committed
a criminal act or are taking drugs on the unit, we may need to involve the police.
Your treatment
Nursing care
Nursing is the main form of treatment you will receive at the Highfield. The nurses
will work closely with you to help you understand some of your difficulties and
help you to think about how to make changes. The day today activities and
structure of the unit allow the nurses to make a good assessment of your needs
and offer opportunities for you to try out new ways of doing things. This is not
4
always easy and often requires hard work from you. The nurses will support you
and your family throughout this process.
Individual work and therapy
This talking one-to-one with a nurse or sometimes with another member of staff
(for example, a psychologist or social worker). This one-to-one time provides you
with the opportunity to reflect on and make sense of the issues that are important
to you. Anything you say in your individual work will normally be kept private from
your parents unless there are issues of safety (see ‘’confidentiality’’).
Your Link Worker
Your Link worker will be a named member of the multidisciplinary clinical team.
He or she will be responsible for keeping in close contact with you and the
members of your clinical team, within the framework of your Care Programme
Approach (CPA) also known as your Care Plan
He or she will also ensure that:
You and your care team discuss and agree your Care Plan together.
Regular reviews take place (approximately every six weeks).
Your Care Plans are monitored and regularly reviewed, ensuring that
progress is recorded.
They are a consistent point of contact for you, your carers and other
professionals.
They are on request for you to meet with to discuss all issues relating to
your care plan.
You will also have two trained nurses (one primary one secondary) who will
support you, along with your Link Worker. One of the nurses will be involved in
your family work with the Link Worker and the other will meet with you for an hour
a week for individual sessions.
Additionally, your Care Team may feel you need to meet with a psychologist,
social worker or other member of the wider team.
You may also ask your care team if you wish to see any of the above people and
they will pass on your request.
5
Family Work
An important part of your treatment involves meeting fortnightly (unless agreed
otherwise) with your parents, carers /or other members of your family. These
sessions will be supported by your Link Worker and a nurse from your care team.
Often, young people find attending these sessions difficult as, on occasions,. it is
important, however, that all family members or carers develop a greater
understanding of your difficulties and needs so that they may better support you
during and after your admission.
As a family unit we understand the difficulties that parents or carers experience
when their child is admitted to an adolescent unit and are committed to offering
parents and siblings advice and support around aspects of your treatment. We
actively encourage regular contact with family members, and time at home, and
believe that families play a crucial role in promoting recovery.
Our trained nursing staff provide ‘frontline’ support and it is anticipated that
parents will feed back to them how the weekend has gone so that the care team
can offer the most appropriate support and advice.
The unit is a training hospital with students from a range of disciplines. Your
permission will be sought prior to students attending family sessions or other
meetings.
Medical
The Highfield Unit Oxford’s psychiatric team consists of two consultant
psychiatrists, senior trainee (ST4-6), staff grade and junior doctors (CT2-3). This
medical team will provide evidence-based clinical treatment including
psychopharmacology for various conditions including major psychosis,
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression.
The medical team or psychiatrists will oversee the treatment plans for all patients,
working with the multidisciplinary team daily and in the weekly ward reviews.
The psychiatrist will be available to meet with all the adolescent patients and
families to ensure the delivery of the most effective and safe treatment possible.
Clinical psychology
You or your family may meet with a clinical psychologist. The clinical psychologist
is often involved in contributing to your assessment while at the Highfield. The
assessment information can help the team to reach a diagnosis of your
difficulties. The assessment is also used to formulate an understanding of what is
happening for you and what intervention, therapy or psycho-education is
personally best for you. Your time with a clinical psychologist is confidential.
However, you will often be encouraged to share information with some family
members, where this will support your treatment. Information will also be shared
with the team where necessary. An assistant psychologist will sometimes be
involved in the assessment, formulation and intervention process.
6
Family therapy
Family therapy at the Highfield Unit Oxford can give patients and their family
members the opportunity to talk together, developing ideas around the support
they each need, and the support they can give to each other. We think that talking
with a family about their relationships and patterns of behaviour can help them
develop and strengthen skills they already have, as well as helping our team to
understand what else we may need to do to help.
At the Highfield Unit Oxford we sometimes use a one-way screen, as this means
we can invite other members of a young person’s care team to observe a session
without being in the room with us. They can help our thinking in the session by
joining us part way through to share their ideas.
Social work
Our social worker works with families and young people experiencing a range of
social difficulties and is in close liaison with Children’s Social Service’s Teams.
The social worker offers carers’ assessments. These carers’ assessments aim to
identify strengths and difficulties within the young person’s carer system, and
consider how these can be addressed to best support the young person in their
treatment.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy aims to help young people establish a balance of
purposeful activities that allow for creative, physical and social development.
We work closely with the teaching and nursing staff, through group activities and
the ward timetable.
Occupational Therapists can adapt an activity to make it manageable for you and
can problem solve with you to overcome obstacles.
The structure of the unit and range of group work activities provide many
opportunities for you to develop your life skills , equipping you for life beyond the
unit. We ask young people to engage in opportunities to participate in the group
activities on the unit, though we recognise that this can bring challenges. The
emphasis is on what young people can get out of an activity rather than
necessarily being brilliant at it.
Engagement in groups is also essential for us to be able to get a clear picture of
your skills and can lead to benefits for future planning and in terms of your being
better understood. Other benefits you may get from being with others in groups
include socialising, working together towards a group goal, creating something
unique and generally gaining confidence in your peer group.
In the holiday periods, Occupational Therapists, along with the nurses, continue
to provide a unit programme of purposeful activity for young people.
7
Individual work
Occupational therapists also work with young people individually to assess how
you manage and your skills to cope in each area of your life. They may then work
with you to develop the skills that will help you achieve your goals. This
assessment work might also be useful to promote others’ understanding of your
needs or to help you to adapt to your future environment.
Physiotherapy
We have access to regular multi-gym sessions, run for both adults and young
people at the Warneford Hospital site by the Physiotherapy department. We can
also access physiotherapy assessment and support for specific musculo-skeletal
difficulties and advice on healthy physical activity.
Learning at the Highfield Unit Oxford
During term time, all young people at the Highfield are expected to continue
learning. This is true whether you are still in school, in the sixth form or taking
further education qualifications at college or becoming engaged in the world of
work and training. We think that learning is a lifelong process and more
importantly, it is part of your treatment here.
Shortly after you are admitted, you will meet your Key Teacher. Together, you
will work out what sort of timetable will best meet your needs, taking into account
what you may be studying at your home school, what your interests are and how
much learning time you can manage. Your Key Teacher will link with your own
school, college or training provider and together they will agree how you can most
effectively continue learning and avoid falling too far behind while you are an inpatient. Throughout the course of your stay, your Key Teacher will meet with you
at least weekly so you can discuss how things are going. He or she will be part of
your care team and will also go to CPA meetings to report on how you are getting
on. The Key Teacher will also link up with your parents or carers and
professionals who may be involved in your work or learning, like careers advisers
or work experience placement supervisors.
The learning day runs from 10.00am – 3.30pm daily, with an extended day once a
week when an additional session provides a chance to see a careers adviser, use
the music studio or simply to catch up on some coursework or homework.
Your learning timetable at the Highfield is a personal one: it will change week by
week to reflect how able you are to learn, to work with others and to take part in
various activities on and off site. The five teachers and two teaching assistants
employed by the Oxfordshire Hospital School can support your studies in most
subjects, but sometimes you may learn online (for some languages, for example)
or we may try to find specialist teachers for particular subjects. You may be
taught on your own, in pairs or as part of a group. If you have public exams like
GCSEs or A levels coming up, then these can be taken here.
In addition to these subject-based sessions, you will opt in to various groups
usually including at least one physical activity a week as your health permits (e.g.
8
PE, swimming, gym or climbing) and at least one creative group (e.g. music, art,
drama, pottery). There are other options such as cooking, gardening, critical
thinking. There is usually a weekly trip off site to places of interest in or close to
Oxford. As your needs, interests and capabilities change, you may well want to
talk to your Key Teacher about which groups you are part of. Teachers and
occupational therapists tend to run many of these groups together.
As you approach discharge, your Key Teacher and your case team will plan
carefully with you for reintegrating into your own school, college or workplace.
Whenever possible, you will be able to benefit from supported visits back and
experience a gradually increasing timetable. If you are not in education,
employment or training, then teaching staff and Occupational Therapists will work
closely with you to help you think about what you might want to achieve in the
next stage of your life, support you in preparing for that and link with community
workers to start making that happen
Group work
Part of your treatment takes place in groups. If you are under 16 a teacher will
advise you of the groups you will be expected to attend throughout your stay. If
you are over 16 an occupational therapist will meet with you following your
admission to find out what your hobbies and interests are and how we can
support your future plans for work or within education. As you will see from the
timetable there are a number of groups on the unit and it is important that you
attend these. They offer you a chance to talk about your worries and to hear the
concerns of other young people. Through groups you can learn that many people
have similar problems and together you can help each other to overcome them.
Your team will help you to find out what groups may be beneficial to attend.
Skills group
These groups give young people coping skills to help manage stressful situations,
difficult relationships, and to help cope with strong emotions.
Expressive groups
These give you an opportunity to express yourself in different ways. (e.g. pottery,
drama, art group).
Talking groups
The emphasis of these groups is on supporting each other, discovering that other
people have similar problems and that you are not alone.
Leisure groups
These groups look at exploring different recreational activities, hobbies and
leisure activities and interests that you can do in your own time (e.g. gym and
swimming, art and crafts.)
Eating disorders groups (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
This group is for young people who have an eating disorder. The group will cover
themes such as psycho-education, motivation for change and CBT formulations
which will help you gain an understanding of your eating disorder.
9
Community meetings
These happen on the unit each day and are an important opportunity for all the
young people and staff to get together. There is a morning meeting at 9.30 am
and an afternoon meeting at 3.45 pm which you will be expected to attend.
The morning meeting provides a formal start to the day, whereas the afternoon
meeting is a less formal opportunity to reflect on the main part of the day.
The aim is to:
 discuss any important information that affects the unit atmosphere.
 discuss any concerns or issues related to the unit.
 provide a place where young people and staff can find out what is
happening on the unit.
 allow you to express how you are feeling and share this with the group.
 work together to resolve problems related to the unit.
User involvement
We try and consult all young people about decisions that are made at the
Highfield Unit Oxford. We do this through a number of forums:
1. Patient’s Forums
These are held every month. There are opportunities for young
people to discuss possible improvements that could be made to the
Unit.
Two senior members of the multidisciplinary team attend as does a
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Services) representative.
2. Staff Interviews:
Young people are part of the staff recruitment process. During
interviews young people show the candidates around and then have
the opportunity to ask the candidates questions. The young people
then feedback to staff about their feelings regarding the interviewee.
3. Your Treatment
Your care team will ensure that you and your needs and views
remain at the centre of decisions made about your care.
10
Mental Health Advocacy at Highfield
Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs) visit Highfield once a week
(Thursday, 1.00-1.30pm) to offer a free and confidential mental health advocacy
service.
Mental health advocates are there to ensure people’s views, wishes and
concerns about their care and treatment are heard and respected. Information on
rights under the Mental Health Act is also provided.
If you would like to see an IMHA, or talk on the phone, at any time, these are our
contact details: A Parents information leaflet is also available to explain the
service.
SEAP Oxford Office: 01865 728981. Monday- Friday,
Email: oxford.office@seap.org.uk
Your stay at the Highfield Unit Oxford
YOUR BEDROOM
All young people will have a bedroom of their own with an en suite shower room.
There is also a bathroom with a bath for young people to use if they prefer.
On occasions staff may need to move your room.
With the exception of certain restricted items, you may choose what you have in
your bedroom as long as you are safe and responsible with these items.
Housekeepers will clean your bedroom, but you will be expected to keep your
room, clothes, personal items and bed tidy yourself. Staff will be able to help you
with this if necessary. You are not allowed to bring your own televisions or
computers onto the unit.
There are lockers for each young person to keep belongings in.
Your room will be locked when you are on leave. All rooms can be locked from
the inside but are accessible to the nurses who hold master keys. This is only
necessary if there is an emergency.
Boys and girls are not allowed into each other’s bedrooms but there are lounges
and common rooms on the unit where you can meet with others in your free time.
You can watch TV, listen to music, read, play computer games, etc.
Carers and family members are also not allowed in the bedroom areas. There are
meeting rooms for families and young people.
11
There is also a high dependency area on the unit which you may be admitted to if
you are not able to manage yourself safely within the main part of the ward. Your
admission to this area will be for as short a period as possible and reviewed
regularly by the multidisciplinary team.
At times due to safety issues we may need to move your bedrooms. We will try to
inform you of this prior to it happening.
Meal times
Breakfast 8.30-9.00am
Morning break 11.00-11.20am
Lunch 12.30-1.00pm
Afternoon break 4.00-4.20pm
Evening meal 6.00-6.30pm
Supper 9.30-10.10pm
Families are asked to not call the unit during these times, unless in
an emergency, as meal times should be a protected time for young
people to engage with peers and staff.
You will have a choice of a meat, vegetarian or vegan meal. If there are any foods
that you can’t eat or you need a special diet, the dietician and nursing staff will
help to formulate a meal plan with you that as far as possible, will meet your
needs.
The unit provides 24-hour access to food and drink. If the kitchen is locked, a
member of the nursing team can unlock it for you. On admission it is important
that you let staff know if you have any allergies e.g. nuts, penicillin etc. This will
be included in your care plan and necessary precautions set in place.
Young people who are admitted for help with an eating disorder will follow the
eating disorder programme (a separate leaflet describing this programme is
available).
Property
When you arrive on the unit, a member of staff will help you unpack. Any
restricted items will be removed for safekeeping. All electrical items like stereos or
computer games must be handed to the nurses so that the hospital electrician
can check them before you use them. Do not bring any items of value onto the
unit. This includes laptops. Any valuables brought onto the unit will be the
responsibility of the individual and the unit cannot take responsibility for their
safety.
Your belongings will also be checked on return from leave.
12
Banned items
For reasons of safety, the following items are not allowed:

Cameras,

All types of sharp implements, including scissors, knives and razor blades

Medication unless deposited in the Highfield Medication store and prescribed
by one of the wards medical team.

Alcohol or drugs

Solvents and aerosols,

Lighters and other smoking materials

Inappropriate reading material, videos or DVDs

Plastic bags

Lap tops, iPads, tablets and kindles
Mobile phones or any device with internet connection or a camera is not allowed.
Young people can have a basic mobile to make or receive calls however these.
must not be used in school, at meal times, meetings or group activities.
Restricted items – these can be stored in the young peoples lockers




Electric items with cables such as hair straighteners, dryers, phone and
DVD chargers.
Hair dye
Food and drink
Nail polish and hair remover
Internet and e -mail access in school is available but contingent on you signing a
form to say that you will not access inappropriate sites.
If you cannot behave safely with an item that is not restricted the nurses may
exercise their discretion by confiscating this item and returning it to your parents
or carers
This includes using a mobile phone in an inappropriate way
We ask that parents/carers support us in managing this on the unit.
Pocket money
While you are in the Highfield it is anticipated that your family or carers will
provide you with some pocket money for refreshments. Do not bring large sums
of money onto the unit as we are unable to store this. All money will be kept in the
unit safe as per trust policy.
13
Smoking
The unit is a no smoking unit. We offer practical advice to anyone wishing to give
up smoking. If young people need support with giving up a member of their team
will undertake an assessment with them to decide which treatment or support
would be the most suitable for them. Young people will be asked to hand in any
smoking materials on admission and following leave. Parents or carers are
requested not to bring in any smoking materials.
Fire procedure
On admission, you and your family will be shown the procedure to follow if the fire
alarms are activated. In the event of the fire alarms ringing, the nursing staff will
lead the evacuation process to ensure that all young people are safe. You should
not stop to collect any personal belongings on the way.
You should always respond to an alarm. Any tampering with the fire detection
system will be taken very seriously.
Use of the gym
There is a small gym on the unit. Prior to using this you will need to have an
assessment of your physical health to ensure you are well enough to use the
equipment. An individualised programme will be developed for you with support
from a trained member of staff.
Post
Post is delivered to the unit each morning (except Sundays and Bank Holidays).
You may send post out from the unit and this is collected in the morning.
The postal address of the Unit is:
Highfield Unit Oxford
Warneford Hospital
Roosevelt Drive
Headington,
Oxford
OX3 7JX
Visitors
You may have visitors to the unit if you wish and the Highfield encourages contact
with families. Visitors under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a person
over the age of 18.Any requests to have visitors outside of your immediate family
will need to be clarified with your family. Visiting times for families are:
14
Mon - Fri 6.30 - 8.30 pm
Weekends – 2.00 - 6.00 pm
Contact with family and guardians
There is a strong expectation that all young people will have weekend leave.
There are very few exceptions to this. At times, young people experience
difficulties in their family relationships and may not wish to go home. However,
staff will support you as much as possible if this is the case. While you are on the
unit you are under the care of the nursing staff and other members of the team.
However you parents will continue to have parental responsibility for you and as
such will be invited to all CPAs and kept informed of your progress and welfare.
In the case of young people with eating disorders, weekend leave will not take
place until you are physically well enough or you and your parents are able to
cope with meals at home (see separate programme).
Living together and feeling safe
In order to live together successfully and create a comfortable and therapeutic
place young people need to know what the rules are and what is expected of
them. We have a set of community expectations and unit rules to oversee the
smooth running of this unit. These rules and expectations help everyone to feel
safe and supported.
Unit rules
No physical violence to other people or property.
No threatening behaviour.
No behaviour that may put the safety of others at risk.
No intoxicating substances (drugs, alcohol, etc.) can be consumed or brought on
to the unit.
No weapons (knives or other sharp items) can be brought to, or kept in, the unit.
No intimate contact or sexual behaviour involving patients or their visitors while
they are attending the unit.
We have close links with the local police.If felt appropriate, consultation or police
intervention may be considered if the above rules are broken.
Individual Safety
For each young person there is also a Risk Assessment and Care Plan, held in
the Nursing Office, which nurses and other professionals regularly refer to.
Wherever possible, we will involve you in formulating your Care Plan.
15
Observations
Once admitted to the Highfield Unit Oxford, you will be placed on nursing
observations which will be tailored to your individual needs. Observations might
be perceived as quite invasive and as such, we will endeavour to place you on
the lowest observation level possible without compromising safety or treatment.
Below, we explain the different types of observations levels and how or why they
are reviewed. If you have any additional questions, please ask a member of the
nursing staff or your link worker.
General observations
General observations can also be called Level 1 observations. Staff must see,
assess presentation, and assure safety at least once hourly, including overnight,
and report what they have observed to the nurse in charge.
Intermittent observations
Intermittent observations, or Level 2 observations, can be carried out at different
intervals (from every 20 minutes to every 10 minutes), or even a mix of intervals
(e.g. at every 15 minutes during the day and 10 minutes at night).
Staff must see, assess presentation, and assure safety at least once during the
specified period, and report any concerns to the nurse in charge.
Constant observations
Constant observations can be carried out in two ways: within eyesight or at arm’s
reach:
Level 3, constant and within eyesight, observations. Staff must be able to see the
young person at all times, including if using the bathroom, unless agreed and
specified by case team.
Level 4, constant and within arm’s, reach observations. Staff must be able to
reach the young person at all times, including if using the bathroom, unless
agreed and specified by care team.
16
On both level 3 and level 4, if the young person uses the bathroom, staff will
ensure that a member of the same sex is available, and if required, swap with
another member of staff. Additionally, staff should try to give as much privacy as
possible by e.g. using a curtain or screen, using a towel to enable the young
person to cover him or herself.
In order to have a bath or shower, the young person will be given the opportunity
to do so in their underwear, again to promote their dignity
During family meetings or visits, a member of the nursing staff is still required to
conduct observations, unless agreed by the multidisciplinary or care team; again,
and if possible, staff will give as much privacy as possible by enabling the visit or
meeting to occur in a room with windows or a glass door panel.
During the night, staff ensure that when the young people are asleep their
breathing and movement are observed.
Unit expectations
You need to have consideration and respect for other patients and their treatment
programmes.
You should behave sensibly and safely whenever you are out, e.g. outings and
trips with staff.
You should attend all unit groups and timetabled activities.
You should attend all meals.
If you feel distressed or feel like hurting yourself, you should approach your
allocated nurse on shift. If your allocated nurse is unavailable you should tell
another member of staff at once.
If you hurt yourself or act in a way that compromises your safety, we will need to
inform your parents.
If at any point you reveal to staff you have experienced abuse or neglect, this
information will be shared with the unit social worker, who is employed by Health
& Social Care (formerly Social Services). This information may be shared with
Child Protection Services in the area where you live.
All young people are expected to have time at home at the weekends. Staff will
support you with this if you find it difficult.
Your rights
Young people admitted to the unit can expect to be kept informed of their care
and treatment in a way that is appropriate to their age and level of understanding.
Young people have the right to:

child-centred care
17

be looked after appropriately without discrimination (on the basis of race,
culture, gender, religion, disability or sexuality).

develop their full potential.

be involved as appropriate in decision-making (and have the right to
decline involvement).

express their opinions without fear

receive support and information in reaching decisions

confidentiality (see also section on confidentiality)
Translation services
If English is not your family’s first language then a translation service is available
for this brochure and for meetings with your care team. Please ask a member of
staff for further details.
Religion
There is a Church of England service held every Sunday in the hospital chapel.
The hospital chaplain or other religious leaders can also make visits as required.
Please speak with your allocated nurse regarding your needs.
Complaints or suggestions
Our aim is to provide care and treatment that is helpful and supportive to you. If at
any time you have a problem or suggestion to make about your treatment then
please discuss with your primary nurse, consultant or link worker. Alternatively,
please contact Sarah Firth, Modern Matron to arrange time to discuss your
concerns. Any member of staff can provide you with a complaints brochure if
needed. Contact details for PALS – Freephone -0800 3287971 Fax – 01865
738566, Email – pals@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Service available – Monday – Friday 9:30- 16:30
Highfield development fund
The Highfield Unit Oxford has a small charitable fund which aims to: Improve facilities for patients e.g. school equipment or extra furnishings
Contribute towards specialist training for staff.
If you or you family wish to make a donation or you have a suggestion for ways of
using the fund then please contact Dr James (Consultant Psychiatrist) or Sarah
Firth (Modern Matron).
Useful contact details
-
Reception Office: 01865 738770
18
-
Nurses Office: 01865 738776 / 01865 738777 (out of hours)
Patient portable phone: 01865 738775
Highfield Unit Oxford
Warneford Hospital
Warneford Lane
Headington,
Oxford
OX3 7JX
All of the above information was accurate at the time of writing but is subject to
review by the Highfield Unit Development Team.
19
The senior team
Dr Anthony James, Consultant Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr Anthony James has been Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
at the Highfield Unit for 25 years. Dr James qualified at St Bartholomew’s
Hospital London, undertook postgraduate medical training at St
Bartholomew’s Hospital and specialist training in child and adolescent
psychiatry at the Maudsley and Bethlem Hospitals. He has qualified in
child psychotherapy and family therapy. His research work includes
ADHD, psychopharmacology, epidemiology, psychosis using MRI, DTI
and MEG, the care system, OCD, bipolar disorder, anxiety and
depression. He has help set up the DBT service.
Sarah Firth, Modern Matron
Sarah Firth has been Modern Matron of the Highfield since 2009. She
trained as a mental health nurse at Oxford Brookes University and has
extensive clinical experience of child and adolescent services. As Modern
Matron, she manages both the multidisciplinary team and the nursing
team. She has an active clinical role and ensures high standards of care
are maintained for young people and their families.
Dr Matthew Broome, Consultant Adolescent Psychiatrist
Matthew Broome has been a Consultant Psychiatrist for over seven years.
He graduated from the University of Birmingham and undertook his
postgraduate training in psychiatry at the Maudsley and Bethlem Royal
Hospitals, the Institute of Psychiatry and the National Hospital for
Neurology and Neurosurgery. His research has focused on the
development of psychotic and mood disorders in young people, utilizing
functional neuroimaging, cognitive neuropsychology, and epidemiology.
20